Far from Madrid, in Saudi Arabia, tonight, Real and Atlético decide on the first trophy of the season in Spanish football - the Supercup winner's cup.
The "Royal Club" reached the final with a 3:0 victory over Valencia, and Diego Simeone's team had a much more uncertain path - they were better than Barcelona, after a reversal in the finish with a score of 3:2.
The duels between Real and Atlético are always full of energy, there is no reason for it to be any different now, regardless of the fact that they are playing on a neutral ground, in Jeddah.
- We know Real, we know Zinedine Zidane, a born winner. This is a match without a fix, we want the trophy, but Real also wants it - said Simeone and added:
- We have problems with the squad, but we are aware that Real Madrid are missing Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale... I think that, however, it does not change much and that the chances are equal - the Argentine pointed out.
Much more interesting was the press conference held by Zidane in Jeddah. Thus, when asked if he is a better coach now than in the period when he brought Real three European championship titles, the Frenchman answered:
- I definitely think so. I progressed both in life and in business, learning from various situations. In football, many factors influence you to be a winner, but I love this job and my passion is huge - said Zidan.
Real has won the Super Cup 10 times (Barça is the record holder with 13), and the last one was in 2017. Atlético rejoiced twice - in 1985 and in 2014.
- Everything is different now than before. The Super Cup is a kind of final tournament, consumption is higher. We will see if this change pleases the teams and the players, but in the end it will be remembered most who won the Super Cup - says Zidan.
Journalists were interested in what Real wanted in the January transfer window.
- I don't have an answer to that question, now I'm just thinking about the final - the Real coach diplomatically answered before the clash that starts tonight at 19 pm.
Stefan Savić was announced in the Athletic team from the first minute.
Bonus video:
